Essay On My Role As A Clinical Research Coordinator

“Let whoever is in charge keep this simple question in her head not, how can I always do this right thing myself, but how can I provide for this right thing to be always done?” (Nightinggale, 1969). Exercising ethical manner and superior judgment are challenged when the perception of right and wrong is based on personal biases. Individuals that facilitate research studies are constantly faced with ethical dilemmas, and forced to choose from right and wrong. Making ethical decisions in research are important for the greater good of the participants and organizations. Taking on the role as a clinical research coordinator and research assistant exemplified that when making a decision one must not only depend on intuition, but to follow research etiquette. The roles were extremely rewarding, however along the way challenged ethical principles of autonomy and veracity.
As a clinical research coordinator, CRC, it is my responsibility to protect and advocate for my participants. During the course of the research committing to autonomy ensured that each of the prospective

participants made an informed decision about participating in the melanoma trial. There were opportunities presented where getting the job done, going against the participant’s right appeared to be the easiest. For example, rushing through the consent forms would have been the ideal decision, but choosing to explain the purpose, method, and potential risks allowed the prospective participant to formulate a sound decision. The participant was knowledgeable about the risk and benefits of their involvement, and their right to drop out of the research.
The responsibility as a research assistant is to be informed of changes that may occur during the sample selection and the informed consent process.

One of the requirements is to report any participant that has decided to drop out of the study. The responsibilities as an RA were challenged when a few participants decided to drop out of the trial. I had the option to falsify the data, and create enough to be presented. Violating the principle of veracity would have been deliberately withholding information from my PI, and misleading the research trial. I decided to honor the principle, by telling the truth, no matter what the outcome would be. The honesty within our professional relationship is a basic expectation to secure the integrity of all the study participants and researchers. If I falsified the research data the integrity of our work would have been questioned, and reported to the

IRB.
The role of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) is to review research and ensure that all of the researchers are adhering to the ethical principles and human rights. Research that requires the IRB approval consists of research that involves human subjects. The IRB consist of several individuals that have strong research, cultural, and educational backgrounds; which critique studies for ethical concerns at the levels of exempt, expedited, and complete review. During my role as the CRC, the IRB conducted an audit to guarantee the melanoma trial was in compliance and met the requirements. The trial did not have any misconduct, and I strongly believe that upholding the ethical principles of autonomy and veracity played an immense part.
“The goal of research is to generate sound scientific knowledge, which is possible only through the honest conduct, reporting, and publication of studies” (Burns, Gray, and Grove, 2015). Following ethical principles is especially important in research. The principles not only ensures participant’s safety, ultimately it yields valid and reliable results. Applying the principles of autonomy and veracity throughout my role as a clinical research coordinator and research assistant has helped to examine decisions from a utilitarianism perspective placing emphasis on respect for others and the ultimate outcome. Choosing right from wrong is a delicate situation, however in research there are rules and regulations implemented by the IRB, to determine the best actions. Ultimately, making a preeminent choice for you and for others is a rewarding feeling.